Can't Afford The New M3 Or M4 xDrive? Here Are 7 Affordable AWD Alternatives

Aside from the original 2014 RWD model, all V8-powered Jaguar F-Type variants send their power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The F-Type's supercharged 5.0-liter V8 produces 550 hp, making it the most powerful model on this list. 0-60 mph takes only around 3.6 seconds, putting it in close proximity to the new M3 and M4 xDrive. But while new M3/M4 owners will deal with the controversy surrounding the massive kidney grille, F-Type owners get to be seen in one of the prettiest modern sports cars of the 21st century.

Even with the biggest engine available, used V8 F-Type R models are now available in the low-$40,000 price range.

Next to the F-Type, the Nissan GT-R is the second-most powerful sports car on this list, assuming you purchase one from the correct year. While the original R35 GT-R produced 485 hp from its 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, the 2012 model year increased that figure to 530 hp, then again to 545 hp in 2013. Impressively, a few of these post-power-increase GT-R models are currently available for less than $70,000. These earlier GT-R models are still quick to this day, posting 0-60 mph times of around 3.2 to 3.4 seconds.

BMW may have recently adopted AWD on its high-performance models, but Audi has been preaching the benefits of four driven wheels for decades. The original V8-powered RS5 coupe and convertible as well as the current-generation RS5 Coupe and Sportback epitomize comfortable Quattro AWD performance. You can snag a V8 RS5 for under $30,000, but if you want comparable performance to a new M3 or M4, the newer twin-turbo V6 models are much quicker.

The two-door Coupe and five-door Sportback models each use a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that's shared with Porsche, producing 444 hp. The sprint to 60 mph takes only 3.5 seconds, nearly matching the M3 and M4 with xDrive despite having less power. Prices for the coupes have dipped into the mid-$50,000 range, while the Sportback still commands over $60,000.

Like the RS5, the Audi TT RS is also a laugh riot. Its unique 2.5-liter five-cylinder produces 394 hp and one of the best exhaust notes available on a turbocharged car. Though it's less powerful than other models on this list, the TT's smaller size allows the RS to break 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds. Prices for the second iteration of the TT RS begin around $55,000, but the original ones are much less expensive and come with a six-speed manual transmission.

Finding one will be an arduous task, but the Volvo S60 and V60 Hybrid Polestar Engineered models are extremely cool and worth tracking down. These latest Volvo Polestar models call upon a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and supercharging, combined with an electric motor to produce a total of 415 hp. That's 15 hp more than the standard S60 and V60 Hybrid, plus the Polestar Engineered variants receive handling upgrades such as Ohlins dampers and Brembo brakes.

Volvo builds very few of these cars, but we managed to find an S60 for $55,000 on the used market. If you can find one, you'll be driving a rare item. A 4.5-second 60 mph sprint isn't nearly as quick as other models on this list, but the Polestar-tuned S60 and V60 offer over 20 miles of electric-only driving and are unique enough to sacrifice a bit of performance.

There is a near-endless supply of Porsche 911 models with AWD for less than the price of a new BMW, so we decided to narrow it down to one option, the 996 911 Turbo. These models were once comically affordable but the market has since caught on and prices have been rising lately. We told you so. It used to be possible to nab a manual coupe for under $40,000 but now you will be lucky to find a nice one for less than $60,000.

Power comes from a 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six producing 415 hp, hitting 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Used prices may not rise much more than they already have but the 996 Turbo seems like a safe investment that won't depreciate, unlike other cars on this list.